Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) (MC-TESOL) teaches students to teach English as an Additional Language (EAL) in a variety of educational settings. Students start a versatile career that could take them abroad, teaching in mainstream schools (for registered teachers), migrant language centres, bridging programs for international students, and more. The course is suitable for students of all backgrounds with no prior experience required, and existing teachers can fast-track their studies to gain an EAL Teaching specialisation. Students can explore placement options, undertake a capstone subject in their final semester with the option of international travel, and choose to exit early after 100 points of study with a Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

234 St. Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3006

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $36,000 (2026 indicative first year fee) / AUD $75,600 (indicative total course fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available; Australian full fee (AF) places also available.

Duration

2 years full time / 4 years part time

Intakes

March, July

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

A three-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
If completing the EAL Teaching specialisation with advanced standing, must be eligible for Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration
English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent approved test score
Advanced standing of up to 100 credit points available for holders of a four-year education degree, an undergraduate degree plus 100 credit points of graduate study in education, or a University of Melbourne Graduate Certificate in TESOL
Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) entry scheme available

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Highly employable, versatile candidate for English as an Additional Language (EAL) teaching jobs in Australia or overseas, face-to-face or online
Registered teachers can gain the EAL Teaching specialisation via the fast-track stream (does not itself provide initial teacher registration with VIT)
Roles in education services (foundation/bridging programs), government/NGO curriculum design and language education, and TESOL publishing
Research option in second year as a pathway to a PhD or other graduate research

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

AITSL (for teaching pathway) / NEAS (for ELICOS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AITSL / VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units4 units

Core TESOL subjects

Foundational subjects in teaching English as an Additional Language across varied educational settings.

EAL Teaching specialisation (fast-track)

Available to registered teachers, requiring 22 days of supervised placement and VIT registration eligibility.

Capstone subject

Final semester subject with the option of international travel.

Research option

Available in second year as a pathway toward graduate research.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior teaching experience to enrol in the Master of TESOL?

No prior experience in the field is required. The Master of TESOL is suitable for students of all backgrounds. If you're already a teacher, you'll be able to fast-track your studies and gain an EAL Teaching specialisation.

Can I exit the course early if I decide not to complete the full Master's degree?

Yes, you can explore the option to exit after the first 100 points of study with a Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies.

Are there placement opportunities as part of the Master of TESOL?

Yes, you can explore placement options to integrate your learning with practical experience in diverse TESOL teaching environments. Please note that mainstream school placements are available for registered teachers only.

Is there an opportunity for international study as part of this course?

Yes, you can undertake a capstone subject in your final semester, with the option of international travel. The University of Melbourne also offers global exchange and overseas study support through a wide range of global partners.

When can I start the Master of TESOL and how long does it take to complete?

The Master of TESOL has intake dates in March and July. The course takes 2 years to complete full time, or up to 4 years part time, and is delivered on campus at Parkville.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $72,000 to $90,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $90,000 to $105,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $105,000 to $125,000 per year

Career Paths

Early Childhood TeacherPrimary School TeacherSecondary School TeacherSpecial Education TeacherTeacher Librarian

Key Skills

Lesson planning and curriculum design aligned to the Australian CurriculumDifferentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needsClassroom management and positive behaviour supportFormative and summative assessment design and analysisInclusive education practices for students with disabilities and additional needs

Full Course Overview

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